2007-05-15 12:16:53 · 3 answers · asked by slinger0442 1 in Health ➔ Dental
They can ruin your teeth. These so called over the counter kits damage the enamel of your teeth. If you must use them, follow the directions very carefully and do not leave it on longer than it tells you to. YES it can cause decay.
2007-05-15 12:23:03 · answer #1 · answered by kingsley 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To bleach the teeth the enamel has to be "opened up" to let the bleach in - so in a way it does weaken the structure. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste & drinking milk are both listed as ways to keep the teeth from being sensitive after bleaching by reinforcing the enamel again. It sounds a little like dying ones hair - and that becomes brittle with time. I would say - no it doesn't cause decay, but it does abuse the teeth.
2007-05-15 19:27:27 · answer #2 · answered by justwondering 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tooth decay is dental caries. This is caused by bacteria using sugar to produce acids.
The definitive answer to your question is that tooth whitening does not cause tooth decay.
There are, however, other possible side effects. The most common is increased sensitivity of your teeth. This is usually temporary, and will normally recover after you have completed your course of tooth whitening. It can be prevented by use of sensitive toothpaste (eg sensodyne) and use of fluoride mouthwash.
There are more serious side effects but these are rare and include "cervical resorption". This is thinnning of the dentine around the neck of the tooth at the gum margin.
I hope that this answered your question!
2007-05-15 19:34:54 · answer #3 · answered by Dr M 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋